Minnesota Wild 2014 free agent analysis: Steven Kampfer

The Minnesota Wild have several unrestricted free agents this offseason, including Steven Kampfer.

Joseph Gunther/Minnesota Wild Examiner

The Minnesota Wild have few roster spots with the emergence of their young stars. However, a few players still need to supplement the roster. The Wild enter the offseason with 14 unrestricted free agents and eight restricted free agents.

Outlook: The Wild acquired Kampfer from the Boston Bruins during the 2011-12 season at the trade deadline. He scored two goals in 13 games for the Wild the rest of the season. However, the last two seasons, Kampfer has played exclusively in the AHL.

The Wild have had a log jam of defensemen on one-way contracts and guaranteed roster spots that have made it difficult to get Kampfer playing time in the NHL. With two of those spots opening up and a few young stars in the mix, can the Wild re-sign Kampfer and find room for him in the NHL?

It is difficult to say, but he possesses things that teams want. He is a right-handed shot and he moves the puck well.

The Wild should try to re-sign the Michigan native, but whether or not he wants to is another question. He may feel that he could get a better opportunity elsewhere, and he may be right.

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Joseph has a Bachelor's of Arts in Media Production with an emphasis in Print Journalism from Hastings College in Hastings, Neb. While at Hastings College, he was a part of the first collegiate media group to broadcast a national tournament via television, radio, internet and newspaper at the 2004 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament. He grew up playing football, baseball and hockey. Send Joe a note.